The Vampire Diaries Review: Here Lies a Great Episode...

You want emotion? How about two fake funerals, as Caroline and Elena both took significant steps toward a new path in life?!? You want action? How about a high-speed chase across a bride to somewhere really dangerous, via a game of revenge-based chicken? You want shocking moments?

How about a decapitation? A murder? A declaration of love from Tyler that was immediately followed by a nearly deadly bite into Caroline's gorgeous neck?!? Oh yes. "Our Town" had it all, including tequila and cake, the touchstone of any birthday party.

Let's start with Ms. Caroline Forbes. Seriously, is there anything more depressing than watching this typically cheery cheerleader (and third grade hop scotch champion!) in a bad mood? It's just not the way she's meant to be.

And who would have thought it would take Klaus, of all people, to put a smile back on her face? To force her to admit that life is very much worth living, especially with all the "genuine beauty" a vampire has access to over the centuries? But he can't really be making a move on Caroline... can he?!? We all know Klaus has a heart, this is not some one-note villain twirling his figurative mustache and cackling into the night. Still, the especially tender side we witnessed here came somewhat out of nowhere. I say the guy has an agenda.

Don't be blinded by the diamonds, C. Or by the fact that the love of your life apparently can't really control his actions. Be strong.

From a downtrodden 18-year old to a daring 154-year old... damn, Stefan. I would NOT want to see you across from me at a poker table. We could debate forever whether or not he actually would have driven Elena over that bridge, but I don't think Stefan even knows. He's fueled by rage, and vengeance and, yes, a broken heart. He's living moment to moment, not considering any actions except those that will put the hurt to Klaus.

Stefan may act all tough. He may claim protecting Klaus' siblings is his number-one goal and that saving Elena is Damon's problem now... but I don't buy it. It's a similar form of denial that many of us have gone through when we think we've lost our soulmate, only we put on Wilson Phillips CDs (right, guys?), get drunk and try to hit on every girl that walks by. Stefan turns off (dims down?) his humanity, locks his heart up and focuses solely on blood lust. Tomato. Tomat-uh-oh.

You know it's bad when even Damon is scared. I loved the scene when he pleaded with Klaus to do whatever Stefan says. It was another sign of how much Elena means to him, sure, but it was also emblematic of how frightened Damon is by an unpredictable Stefan.

And, Elena, we can all understand where she's coming from, right? Being with Stefan felt safe and secure. Being with Damon feels rebellious and, simply, wrong. It can be tough to accept you're no longer the innocent child who sees the world in black and white. Be excited, Delena fans. That faux funeral was Elena's way of realizing that life can be complicated and so can the man she smooched last week.

Elsewhere, what do we make of Dr. Fell? And the homicide that concluded the episode? I'm not sure why the sheriff would call on Damon for a regular murder (aside from the fact that, let's face it, who would NOT want to spend as much time as possible with that guy?), but it must have something to do with the fact that Brian the Medical Examiner covered for all those vampire kills by writing "animal attack" on various death certificates.

Is it random that we've never met these people before, considering Meredith is on the Counsel and Brian apparently played a huge role in town over the years? Yes. But... whatever. It's a new mystery, and an intriguing one at that. What would The Vampire Diaries be without unexpected cliffhangers that zig when you expect the show to zag?

Quick Bites:

Hey, we found a second use for Bonnie! She can cast spells to save the day, and she can light birthday candles.

Ladies, how many of you want to drink the Klaus Kool Aid?

Somewhere, Ric Flair is expecting royalties for Stefan stealing/paraphrasing his catchphrase. To beat the villain, you've got to be the better villain.

Last week, the kiss. This week, Tyler drops the L bomb. Are you trying to make the Internet explode, Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson?!?

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This episode felt ok from the events and Caroline's birthday of course. Things are sure going to shake up the events as the season continues. =) =O =P

Tahlly•January 23, 2012 05:08

I just started rewatching Season 2 - I made it through the first 5 episodes so far - I therefore can at least answer one of your question: Yes, the Fell Family has been in Mystic Falls for longer than we know. There is a reference in 2x04 or 2x05 when everyone does some work for the poor while Mason & Liz try to kill Damon & Stefan. ;)

leslie•January 19, 2012 20:50

Liz, I think u r exactly right. I think that the original witch is n the coffin too. That makes two of us not so bright. Lol

Eloise Taylor•January 19, 2012 14:46

I lovethe Damon and Elaine chimistry. Also,Clause and Caroline chimstry. I thank the sex between the four couples would be grat. And, if Eligha was a eak waking around would be great and amazine. Please, make it happen. Let,Stephen conteinual be evil. Elaine ,burried him and everything at the bridges. Let her move on with Damon or Eligha. What is it with Alica staying with her. Does he has his on place.

Katarina•January 17, 2012 06:58

I got chills when Caroline and Klaus had a moment and than again when she opened the present. Chills in a good way. Which is weird because yes i hate Klaus just like everyone else but it makes the show more exciting if the DEVIL actually fell in love with caroline... The actress who playes {Dr Fill} lol. ALWAYS playes 'phsyco woman' on any show that she is in, eg ONE TREE HILL etc etc. So I would bet a lot of money on the fact hat DR PHSYCO FILL we will get. I hope Damon and Elena get together and Klaus falls in love with Caroline, now that would be excitement.

Kamarra•January 16, 2012 15:14

Klaus is definitely playing Caroline. While I do think that what he said to her was heartfelt, he using her for something for sure. Unfortunately, I think Caroline is vulnerable enough to fall for whatever it is. And yes, Klaus is one sexy motherlover. I woudln't mind having me some of that. Damon's line, 'It is right. It's just not right now'...nicely done. Elena will be thinking about that.

Eloise Taylor•January 16, 2012 05:16

It is about time Damon and Elaine started acting on their feelings. Maybe they will do more than kiss. They make more since as a couple. Steven and Elaine never made any since as couple. Damon and Elaine makes a hot and sexy couple.

Rae•January 16, 2012 02:00

Elijah...WAKE UP!!! I'm just sayin.

Deborah Preiss•January 16, 2012 01:15

Think Klaus and Caroline moment was very touching.And maybe he does have a heart.I think the dream that Bonnie is having with Klaus in the coffin. I will be his real father.Can't wait till next week. Things are getting good. Who am I kidding they are great. My granddaughter and I watch it together. By the way she is 9 and I got her to watch it with me and she loves it as much as I do. The Twilight Movies CAN'T HOLD A CANDLE TO MY VAMPIRE DIARIES. LOVE THE SHOW.HOPE TO SEE THE CAST IN PERSON ONE DAY . KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK